Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Agricultural Biotechnology Literacy and Communication Day

For more information visit http://research.ifas.ufl.edu/biotech.shtml

 

or to register visit http://flbiotechliteracyday.eventbrite.com.

 

Live streaming will be available at  http://mediasite.video.ufl.edu/Mediasite/Play/ebe6567e17364cd4933f327207c9e28e1d

 

 

Ruth Hohl Borger, Ed.D., APR

Assistant Vice President

IFAS Communication Services

 

 

 

 

Mailing address

Bldg.69, 2343 Mowry Rd.

PO Box 110810

Gainesville, FL 32611-0810

 

352-392-2411 Ext. 43329

517-803-7631 cell

352-392-7902 Fax

 

rborger@ufl.edu

http://ics.ifas.ufl.edu

 

Nematode Survey

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Hi Everyone – here is a blog post that I posted on my blog site - https://ufstonefruit.wordpress.com/.  Hope you can help Dr. Brito out!

Ever wonder why we only  have one commercial rootstock that we use for Florida peach production?  It’s because of a type of root-knot nematode found only here in Florida.  In fact, it’s scientific name is Meloidogyne floridensis. 

If you have it in your orchard, you might see short shoot growth, early bloom, and a general delay in fruit development (see below). The tree on the right was found to have nematode galls on the root system that was affecting the tree growth.  Successive years of weak growth can cause tree collapse, and will require removal and replanting.

Help Us Out!

So, what can be done?  First things first, we need some help!  Dr. Janete Brito at FDACS, DPI in Gainesville would like to conduct a survey of growers orchards.

Here is her request:

Scientists of FDACS, Division of Plant Industry, University of Florida, IFAS and other research agencies are joining forces through a cooperative Farm Bill agreement to study and identify plant-parasitic nematodes associated with peach trees in Florida peach orchards. So far, the potential risk posed by these nematodes to the new peach industry in Florida has not been fully assessed because of lack of information on their identity and distribution in the state. Scientists involved in this cooperative project are confident that an intensive nematode survey in Florida peach followed by accurate morphological and molecular analyses of plant-parasitic nematodes found will provide precise information on the species that parasitize peach in Florida. Additionally, an associated survey for detection of plum pox virus (PPV) will be carried out. The results of these surveys will provide information about the incidence of these pathogens in Florida peach.

The sites to be surveyed for nematodes will include existing peach orchards, nurseries and land destined to peach production, including abandoned citrus groves. The support and cooperation of the peach growers in the form of access to orchards, nurseries and other sites to be sampled are much needed for the success of this project. As permission and access to the sites to be surveyed is granted, a timetable and strategy will be developed trying to minimize potential interference with the activity of peach growers involved in the survey. Scientists are hoping that this initiative will receive a favorable reception by the Florida peach industry. Peach growers wishing more information about this cooperative project or willing to provide access to their orchards for the survey should contact Dr. Janete Brito, FDACS nematologist; phone: (352)395-4752; e-mail: janete.brito@freshfromflorida. com.

Thank you in advance for helping to figure out where these nematodes are, so that we can target control methods. If you have any questions, please let Dr. Brito know!

Cheers, Mercy

“The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it”

-Neil DeGrasse Tyson

 

 

 

Webinars, workshops & conferences!

Here is an updated listing of upcoming webinars, workshops, and conferences that are offered both through eXtension and through other organizations. The one on Urban Master Gardening is about to start!

 

Volunteering in under-resourced communities: Challenges for urban Master Gardeners

 Upcoming - Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 10:00 am CDT - Presented by Sarah Eichberger

Master Gardeners are experts in gardening and food production. However, how prepared are they to work in urban areas where healthy food access is limited? This webinar will focus on the results of a study that investigated the challenges of the engagement process associated...

 

Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) for Extension

 Upcoming - Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm CDT

See http://goo.gl/VSpq8F for a webinar invitation from the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) 11:00 a.m. – Noon ET, Thursday, April 30, 2015. The focus will be on how Cooperative Extension can become involved in helping small businesses prepare for and comply...

 

2015 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Beneficial Garden Helpers

 Upcoming - Friday, May 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Mallory KelleyEllen HuckabayKris Braman

Learn about the helpful insects in your garden and landscape in this webinar presented by Dr. Kris Braman from the University of Georgia. Dr. Braman will explain how to encourage the predators and parasitoids in your backyard. Moderated by Mallory Kelley and Ellen Huckabay,...

 

Alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production

 Upcoming - Friday, June 12, 2015 at 2:00 pm CDT

Poultry producers are frequently looking for treatment options aside from antibiotics. This presentation by Dr. Irene Hanning-Jarquin will provide an overview of herbs, spices and plant extracts as alternatives to antibiotics. Dr. Hanning-Jarquin -...

 

Ready Community: Vulnerability and Resilience

 Upcoming - Friday, June 26, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Deborah Tootle

Studies have shown that resilient communities are those that can prepare for, respond to, and rebound quickly from disasters. These abilities do not happen by chance. Dr. Deborah Tootle, Iowa State University Extension, will explain how planning and reducing vulnerabilities...

 

Livestock First Aid and Safety

 Upcoming - Friday, July 31, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Scott Cotton

Injured animals and animals under stress react differently than they do in normal circumstances. If you don't work with livestock often, you may not completely understand how to keep yourself and animals safe in stressful situations, or how to provide first aid to injured...

 

Foodborne Outbreaks--What You Need to Know

 Upcoming - Friday, October 30, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT - Presented by Soohyoun Ahn

Dr. Ahn will discuss recent outbreak trends, how to report a foodborne illness or outbreak, and how to prevent outbreaks. She'll also provide some general food safety information. Dr. Ahn is Assistant Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida....

 

Webinars, Workshops, & Conferences Outside of eXtension

Resources for Organic Producers Selling Local Foods

April 29, 2015
Online
The USDA Organic Working Group will host a webinar highlighting USDA's resources for organic producers marketing local foods. Learn about organic certification, labeling, and online directories of local markets. Learn about more resources for local and regional food programs through the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative. Pre-registration is not required for these webinar sessions. To participate, dial in by phone: 866-740-1260 with access code 7206000. Also access the Web:http://www.readytalk.com 
On the left side of the screen, enter Participant Access Code 7206000.

 Growing Your Community Food System "From the Ground Up" Workshop

May 2-3, 2015
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Growing Power's "From the Ground Up" Workshops are intensive, hands-on trainings offering diverse groups the opportunity to learn, plan, develop, operate, and sustain community food projects. Project participants leave the workshop with improved skills that they can take back into their communities and pass on to others. These workshops are for both rural and urban projects.

California Farm to School Conference

May 4-6, 2015
Pacific Grove, California
The conference will offer a series of workshops, panels, and discussions that will be of significant educational and networking value to attendees who will represent all facets of the farm to school movement, including farmers, distributors, government representatives, procurement officers, educators, and food program administrators. The pre-conference day on Monday offers optional activities and field trips (most for an additional fee) and opportunities to see programs in action. Five tracks will be offered at the Conference: Education in the Cafeteria and Classroom; Programs on the Farm and in the Garden; Making The Case; Local Procurement; and The Big Picture.

 Resilient Food Systems Conference

May 8-9, 2015
San Luis Obispo, California
Join Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for this free, public event. Learn from industry and community leaders from across the food and agricultural landscape who are helping to build a more resilient food system through their innovative enterprises.

 Plasticulture Workshop: Using Plastic Mulch in your Home or Market Garden

May 9, 2015
Poteau, Oklahoma
The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture offers an opportunity to learn about using plastic mulch and drip irrigation for vegetable production. The program will include indoor presentations and outdoor demonstration. Pre-registration is required.

 

 IOIA Webinar: On-Farm Food Safety Training

May 15, 2015
Online
The Independent Organic Inspectors Association offers this on-farm food safety training online in two 3.5-hour sessions.

 National Value Added Agriculture Conference

May 18-20, 2015
Austin, Texas
This conference addresses food security, rural development, and value added agriculture. The theme is "The Future of the U.S. Food System: Providing Nutritious, Sustainable, and Healthy Food for All Americans." The conference will include breakout sessions and tours and will feature innovative businesses. The recent farm bill, food waste, labor issues, functional foods, technology and big data, the adaptability and resilience of the food and agricultural system in the new century are among the topics to be discussed toward the goal of designing and building a sustainable regional food network and agricultural systems.

June 18, 2015: Creative Financing for Food

Is access to capital holding your food business back from thriving? 

Whether you run a farm, food hub, processing facility, retail store, co-op or shared kitchen this webinar will introduce you to new and creative sources of capital.

Register Now!

 

Bridging the Past, Cultivating the Future: Exploring Sustainable Foodscapes

AFHVS/ASFS Annual Meeting and Conference
June 24 - 28, 2015

https://falk.chatham.edu/falk/foodconference/

 

 

Katie Wright

Project Specialist

Department of Food Science
Center for Food Safety
Office: FDSC Building, Rm N101
Phone: 
(479) 575-2166
Email: 
katiew@uark.edu

 

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Monday, April 27, 2015

Master Goat and Sheep Certification Program

Check out upcoming FAMU programs including Mater Goat and Sheep Certification Program here.

http://www.famu.edu/cesta/main/index.cfm/cooperative-extension-program/agriculture/small-ruminant/about-the-small-ruminant-program/

 

Mary Beth Henry

Small Farms/Pesticide Licensing

Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

1702 HWY. 17 S, Bartow, FL 33830
NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBER 863.519.1049  Fax: 863.534.0001
Previous number 863.519.8677 x 110 will be phased out soon

mbhenry@ufl.edu     http://polksmallfarms.com http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/ 

No Farmers No Food

 

Need notice of upcoming training and other information?
Join the email newsletter here:
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001o4tMzQsu5DOxO2qVEDjYVdg1iw8e-mlP
Join the conversation here http://polksmallfarms.blogspot.com/

 

  

 

 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Invasives Online CEU Courses offered

The UF/IFAS St Lucie County Cooperative Extension is now offering a series of online courses designed to teach Floridians about five invasive pest plants: Brazilian pepper-tree, melaleuca, air potato, Old World climbing fern and tropical soda apple. Topics addressed in these courses include the natural history of the invasive plant in Florida, invasive characteristics, and IPM - including herbicidal and biological control. Continuing education units (CEU's) are available for people with Ch. 487 and 482 pesticide licenses. The courses can be accessed online at http://pesticide.ifas.ufl.edu

Ken Gioeli, M.Ag.
Program Extension Agent IV/Natural Resources & the Environment Secretary, Florida Master Naturalist Governing Board University of Florida / IFAS St Lucie County Cooperative Extension
8400 Picos Road, Ste 101
Fort Pierce, FL 34945
(772) 462-1660
Fax (772) 462-1510
http://stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Florida Land Steward Update 4/17/15

 

Florida Land Steward Update
April 17, 2015


Have Land?  Get a Plan and Stay Connected.  Florida Land Steward is your source of assistance, information, events and resources.


News, information and upcoming events below.  
Please share this update with your neighbors, colleagues and others that may be interested.

- Florida Land Steward Newsletter (Winter/Spring 2015 (Vol 4, No 1) and back issues -

 

News & Info Brief


Check calendar for new events listed this week ->

NEW FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEO - FORESTS AND WATER
What do forests have to do with water? Check out our new forests and water video.


APPLY FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND, WETLAND CONSERVATION EASEMENTS BY MAY 15
Applications are due May 15 for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP), which provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to establish conservation easements.  Indian tribes, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and private landowners can contact their local NRCS office to find out how to apply.

The program is comprised of two types of easements: agricultural and wetlands. Agricultural easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses and protect land devoted to food production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible.  Wetland reserve easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.

Applications are available at local NRCS office and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Agreements will be evaluated starting in late August. For more information about agricultural easements contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554. Contact Crenel Francis, 352-338-9508 about wetland reserve easements.


APPLY FOR RURAL AND FAMILY LANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM BY MAY 30
The goal of the Florida Forest Service's Rural and Family Land's Protection Program is to ensure lands will be maintained in agricultural use while providing for the protection of natural resources through agricultural conservation easements. The program seeks to protect valuable agricultural lands, create conservation easements that ensure sustainable agricultural practices, prevent conversion to non-agricultural land uses in the rural base of Florida, and help to protect natural resources in conjunction with these agricultural operations. For more information about the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, see:
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/For-Landowners/Programs/Rural-and-Family-Lands-Protection-Program


USDA CONSERVATION COMPLIANCE FORMS DUE JUNE 1
Agricultural producers must complete a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification Form AD-1026 and turn it into a Farm Service Agency office by June 1 to be eligible for federal crop insurance subsidies. Learn more on the FSA website.


SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.


FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS  - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship


GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.


LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available through UF/IFAS on the EDIS publication site:  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/  Wow, there’s a publication about that?


2015 FLORIDA LAND STEWARD CALENDARS STILL AVAILABLE
About half a box left. Send an email to cdemers@ufl.edu with your mailing address if you’d like to a copy sent. First come first serve while supplies last.  They will also be available at upcoming Forest Stewardship and some other events.


HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu


More news and info at the Florida Land Steward Blog

 

***

EAST FLORIDA (Madison County, east and south)

April 23

Florida Landowner Field Day: Solutions for Private Land Longleaf Pine Management and Restoration in the Osceola Region, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Florida Gateway College, Lake City, FL. Topics include longleaf pine, funding opportunities, strategies to reduce wildfires, wildlife and more. Free, lunch included. Register at http://fllandownerfieldday.eventbrite.com/. For information: contactus@southernfireexchange.org or Alan Doziar 478-251-4015.

May 4-7

2015 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course, Fort Lauderdale Coral Springs Marriott Hotel Coral Springs, FL. Get a comprehensive update and earn 20+ CEUs! See link above for details.

May 13-14

43rd Annual Spring Symposium: "Innovations in Timber Harvesting and Utilization". UF Austin Cary Forest Learning Center, Gainesville, FL. Presented by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Society of American Foresters, Association of Consulting Foresters, and Southern Regional Council on Forest Engineering. Appropriate for forest resource managers, loggers, engineers and forest utilization professionals and will contain technical to applied content. Sessions include "International Wood Marketing", "Forest Inventory and GIS", "Harvesting", and "Wood Energy". Separate registration may be made for a tour of the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center. To register and for details: https://eventbrite.com/event/15880282352/

May 13-15

64th Annual Florida Beef Cattle Short Course: "Building on Success" (link), Alto and Patricia Straughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center, Gainesville, FL. See link for details or contact Rebecca Matta, UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, (352)-392-1916, rmatta@ufl.edu             

June 16-18

Conference on Laurel Wilt Disease and Natural Ecosystems: Impacts, Mitigation and the Future (link), Coral Springs Marriott, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd. Coral Springs, FL. A timely opportunity to learn the most recent state of knowledge regarding laurel wilt, its biology, impacts in native ecosystems and efforts to mitigate for its devastating effects. Foresters, SAF CFEs pending approval. See link above for details. For a brief introduction to laurel wilt, see this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x7vgFWLHkY

WEST FLORIDA (Jefferson County and west)

April 23

Forest Stewardship Tour / Hike at Spring Canyon, property of Helen and Tom Roth, Gadsden County, FL (pdf link). 9 am to 2 pm ET. $10 fee, lunch included. This will be a moderately strenuous hike on steep terrain but well worth the trip and effort. Tour will feature several stages of longleaf pine forest restoration, steephead ravines and the unique plant community therein. Almost full – last call!  Register now at
https://fsp-tour042315.eventbrite.com

May 1-2
May 15-16

FAMU Master Goat and Sheep Certification Program, FAMU Farm in Quincy, FL. Provided by FAMU Cooperative Extension Program. For information contact Angela Jakes, (850) 875-8552.

May 14

Forest Stewardship Tour at Spencer Family Property, Santa Rosa County, FL (pdf link). 9 am to 2 pm CT. $10 fee, lunch included. Join us to learn about pine timber management and wildlife habitat improvements for species such as bobwhite quail and white-tailed deer; Best Management Practices, available assistance and more. Register at  https://fsp-tour051415.eventbrite.com/ or contact UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension at (850) 623-3868.

June 2

Longleaf Pine Restoration and Management Workshop, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm ET, St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, Visitor and Environmental Education Center, 1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks, FL 32355. Provided by Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance and Florida Forest Stewardship Program, with support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Southern Company. $5 fee, lunch included. To register contact Wakulla County Extension at (850) 926-3931.

June 6

FAMU Spring Agri-Showcase, FAMU Farm in Quincy, FL. Provided by FAMU Cooperative Extension Program. For information contact Angela Jakes, (850) 875-8552.

WEBINARS, ONLINE TRAINING

April 23

Webinar: Pine Straw Harvesting in Longleaf Pine Forests: Best Management Guidelines to Sustain Wildlife Resources (link), 2 pm ET, see link for details.

April 30

Webinar: Planning in the Face of Change, an Urban Forestry Webinar Series: Emergency Planning (link), 12 pm ET, see link for details.

May 7

Webinar: Precision Nutrient Application Technology (link) , 2 pm ET, see link for details.

May 20

Webinar: Building a Better Wetland: Reference Data and Tools for Enhancing Wetland Projects (link) , 2 pm ET, see link for details.

August 3-14
August 18-21

S130/190 Basic Wildland Firefighter Training, Presented in a hybrid format, online and in person in Gainesville and Ordway Swisher Biological Station. See link above for details and registration.

***

Visit and Like   Florida Land Steward on Facebook

 

 

More events at these calendars:

 

UF/IFAS Web Calendar
Florida Forest Stewardship Program Calendar

http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.html

http://www.floridainvasives.org/
Florida Master Naturalist Program

Brooker Creek Preserve Events, Pinellas County

Florida Forest Service Training Opportunities

Forestry Webinars

Check with your UF/IFAS County Extension Office for more events
and information relevant to your county:
http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/

 

 

Florida Land Steward Partnership:

 

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES & CONSERVATION
UF/IFAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PARTNERS PROGRAM
PENINSULAR FLORIDA LANDSCAPE COOPERATIVE

FLORIDA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION / SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE

 

 

http://floridalandsteward.org

 

 

To be added or removed from this service, simply email a request to cdemers@ufl.edu

 

 

Entomology and Nematology Newsletter - April 2015

The April 2015 issue of the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Newsletter is now available- http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2015-2017/April15.html                  

 

 

This month's news includes:

Faculty and student news

Lab news

Publications and meetings

Social media and outreach activities

Grants and more...

 

Get ready for BugWeek@UF! May 18-25. Look for #UFBugs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Issues usually are published by mid-month. Submit items for an issue by the 7th of that month.

We would like to share news when it happens using our social media outlets- Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Follow us on these sites for daily updates! Use the #UFBugs hashtag when you post your UF insect finds.

When you send news we will post it on one or more of these sites and again in the monthly newsletter.

 

Thank you for reading,

Jennifer

 

 

 

Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, Ph.D.

UF/IFAS Entomology & Nematology Department

Rm. 3006 Bldg. 970, Natural Area Drive

PO Box 110620, Gainesville Florida 32611-0620

Phone: (352)273-3950

Email:    gillett@ufl.edu

Twitter: @JGillettKaufman  @UFEntomology and @UFNATL